Name: Farro with Blister Tomato and Pesto
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 6 Servings
Cuisine: Italian

Balancing Bowls Verified

January 30, 2026

Farro with Blister Tomato and Pesto - a delightful Caprese-inspired salad with a twist! This rustic dish combines nutty farro with sweet and tangy blistered tomatoes and roasted red onions, all brought together by basil pesto. Topped with creamy Navy or Great Northern beans, it's a satisfying and hearty meal that will leave you craving for more. It's a great Italian-inspired summer salad.

Farro with Blister Tomato and Pesto cover

From the Cook

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Farro with Blister Tomato and Pesto

Balancing Bowls Verified

Ingredients

WarningMilk and 5 other allergens identified

Instructions

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Cook Farro

Rinse 1 cup of farro under cold water.

In a large covered pot of well-salted water add farro.

Bring to a medium boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until tender yet slightly chewy. Drain any excess liquid.

Roast Vegetables

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

Toss red onion wedges and cherry tomatoes with a little olive oil on a sheet pan

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.

Roast for 15-20 minutes until the tomatoes blister and onions caramelize.

Assemble the Dish

In a large serving bowl, combine cooked farro, navy beans and roasted vegetables.

Add the desired amount of pesto, starting with a few spoonfuls and adjusting to taste. Mix well.

Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish and sprinkle with grated lemon zest.

Optional: Top with fresh basil.

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Tomato Blistering Technique 🍅
Use a cast-iron skillet on high heat to create perfect tomato blisters, ensuring you don't move them for the first 2-3 minutes to develop a deep caramelized char.
Farro Texture Master 🌾
Rinse farro thoroughly and toast it lightly in a dry pan before boiling to enhance its nutty flavor and prevent a mushy texture.
Pesto Flavor Amplification 🌿
Let homemade or store-bought pesto come to room temperature before mixing to allow its oils and herbs to fully release their aromatic compounds.
Bean Prep Pro Tip 🫘
If using canned Navy beans, always rinse thoroughly and pat dry to prevent wateriness and ensure they absorb the dish's flavors more effectively.
Acid Balance Trick 🍋
Add fresh lemon zest in addition to juice to provide a multi-dimensional citrus brightness that cuts through the richness of the pesto and beans.

Intelligent Tags

About the Cook

Balancing Bowls

I'm Nora! Balancing Bowls is the product of a slightly chaotic life, a need to make and grow things, and a love of creative cooking. If you're here because you're trying to feed your family well without losing your mind, you're in the right place.